Looking Back and Ahead

Data Collection in Fragile States

“…The results of the ex post simulation and the application of the methodology in Mogadishu suggest that the rapid consumption methodology is a promising approach to estimating consumption and poverty in a cost-efficient and fast manner, even in fragile areas. 9 A similar ex post simulation for South Sudan and Kenya (data not shown) indicates that the rapid consumption methodology can also be applied at the country-level, with large intra-country consumption variation. 10 The rapid consumption methodology has been implemented in Somalia, South Sudan, and Kenya, with additional countries in the pipeline.…”

“…It was designed as a phone survey to allow rapid access to populations at risk of famine, and can be carried out by local call-centers at low cost. 9 During the crisis, enumerators recorded data digitally and uploaded it every day to a cloud-based server, in order to map and update data trends on a daily basis. The questionnaire was quick to administer, yet still included a broad range of development topics that might need to be better understood during a crisis.…”

“…The UNHCR database reports the total population in each CF, as well as the number of Lebanese and Syrian population in each. 7,8,9 The CF cartographic boundaries are described digitally in a linked Geographic Information System shape file. The CFs were sorted into three strata depending on their ex-ante prevalence of Syrian population, as follows:…”

“…In a study of anti-American sentiment in Pakistan, social desirability bias (social image) is found to potentially lead to the underestimation or overestimation of attitudes toward sensitive issues depending on whether those with extreme views conform to, and express views consistent with moderate respondents, and vice versa. 9 Experimenter demand effects highlight that even if a survey or experiment is conducted in a private context where peer pressure is ruled out, the presence of a researcher alone could introduce bias and prevent respondents from expressing honest views and attitudes. 10 In a randomized experiment, it was demonstrated that participants who did not vote in an election were 20 percentage points less likely to answer the door to participate in a survey when they had been previously informed through a flyer about the survey, relative to those who had not received a flyer.…”

“…People make decisions on the basis of both external and internal reward systems: even when people have a material incentive to lie, their internal drive to protect their self-integrity may override. 8,9 3. Investigative probing: This places a higher salience on the importance of getting answer to the question right.…”